Global tributes as world’s ugliest dog dies after battle with doggy dementia

By Jasmine Kazlauskas

 Devastated animal lovers across the globe are mourning the loss of the world’s ugliest pooch, who died just days after Christmas following a battle with doggy dementia.

Bev Nicholson / Caters News

 Heartfelt tributes have flowed for 13-year-old Mugly, who was crowned Britain’s Ugliest Dog in 2005 before taking the title of World’s Ugliest Dog in 2012.

The famous Chinese Crested mutt suffered a debilitating stroke on Christmas Eve that left him unable to walk, but the “little fighter” made it through Christmas Day before passing away in owner Bev Nicholson’s arms yesterday (WEDS) after his condition rapidly deteriorated.

Bev, 54, from Peterborough, Cambs, said she is “truly heartbroken” over the sudden loss of her beloved pooch and “can’t imagine” her life without him.

Bev, who runs her own fashion business, said: “I feel like I have lost a part of me.

Bev Nicholson / Caters News

“There is an element of me that thought he would last forever.

“For it to happen like this, so suddenly and unexpectedly, has been the hardest thing.

“I just can’t believe it’s real and he is actually gone. I have five other dogs, but our home has never felt so empty and quiet.

“It’s really strange. The other dogs are silent which isn’t like them at all, they’re usually always up and playing around but they’ve just been laying down. It’s such an eerie calmness.”

Mugly was abandoned at three days old due to his unfortunate appearance and Bev adopted him as an eight-week-old puppy.

The pup grew a global fan base for his peculiar looks – winning accolades across the world – and also previously won a ‘most heroic hound’ award.

Bev Nicholson / Caters News

In January last year, Bev noticed Mugly could no longer nagivate his way around the family home and instead would stare into space and get stuck in corners.

And when the mutt was diagnosed with canine dementia last June, she created an extraordinary bucket list full of exciting exploits for her pet to enjoy before he completely lost his memory.

Besides having a playdate with the Queen’s corgis and meeting reality television star Joey Essex, Mugly was lucky enough to complete nearly everything on his list before he passed away.

This included ticking off enjoying luxurious spa treatments, pigging out on Mr Whippy ice cream, sitting in a fire engine and even going sailing.

Bev said her friendly dog was “a social butterfly” who made an excellent therapy pooch because of his loveable nature and intuitive instincts.

Bev Nicholson / Caters News

Since sharing the news of the pup’s passing on social media she said she had been flooded with messages of support from every corner of the globe.

Bev said: “He just loved everyone and always knew how to behave with different people.

“We worked with all sorts of people, including children, the elderly the disabled, and he just knew what to do to make them feel happy and calm.

“He helped children who had phobias of dogs overcome their fear. He was very persistent and would sit by them, edging closer and closer until all of a sudden they’d be stroking him without realising.”

Bev said she is overwhelmed by the thousands of tributes from heartbroken people around the world who adored Mugly and are distraught over the news of his death.

Bev Nicholson / Caters News

She said: “It’s so humbling to see that people are so touched by his passing and that they’re in tears after hearing the news.

“Everyone is speaking from their heart and it’s incredible, everyone is very emotional and devastated about what has happened.

“I’ve been inundated with so many messages of love and support. He will remain unforgettable to every person that ever met him, and he touched so many hearts everywhere.

“He was such a loveable dog and I’m thankful for all those years of unconditional love and companionship that he gave me and for making me the proudest dog mum ever.

“I will miss Mugly very much and will never forget him.”

MUGLY’S BUCKET LIST: COMPLETED

5,000 Facebook followers

Conquer a fear by spending the day in a park (I had a bad experience a few years ago)

Design a doggy dementia awareness collar

Ride/sit in a fire engine

Have a day at the seaside

Eat a whippy ice cream

Have a massage

Have acupuncture

Have a spa treatment

Go sailing

Raise £2,500 for Cinque Ports Rescue (where my rescue family all came from) https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Mugly-CinquePortsRescue